The Academy of Public Health has inducted of new fellows into the prestigious Design, Equity, Action, and Leadership (DEAL) Fellowship and the Young Professional in Public Health Program (YPPH) on November 2nd in Abuja.
The event was graced by the presence of renowned public health leaders, Dr. Judith Ann Walker, Dr. Francis Ohanyido, and Dr. Ferhat Khan, who emphasized the paramount importance of collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and unwavering commitment to addressing public health challenges.
These distinguished leaders urged young professionals entering the field to remain determined in the face of obstacles, continually expand their knowledge, adapt public health strategies to local needs, and foster collaboration to enhance the well-being of the African continent. They stressed that the achievements of these new inductees not only reflect their personal dedication but also serve as inspiration for others to strive for excellence.
In her speech, Zainab Yaro, Senior Technical Advisor on Public Health at the dRPC, represented the Executive Director, Dr. Judith Ann Walker, and urged the young professionals to become mentors, advocates, and catalysts for positive change. She emphasized that while the challenges of our time are significant, collective resolve is even greater.
The Director General of the West African Institute of Public Health, Francis Ohayindo, resonated with the call for collective efforts in his inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of unity and a collective spirit in achieving comprehensive Universal Health Coverage.
Redefining the concepts of public health and global health, Ohayindo stressed the need for Africans to work together to determine what best serves their health, stating, “We must unite to have a substantial impact on our shared goal of public health.”
Ferhat Khan, president of the West African Institute of Public Health, commended the impressive turnout of young graduates who had participated in various internship programs offered by the Institute. She urged them to apply their gained knowledge and experience practically within their communities and take inspiration from the distinguished fellows.
Khan also encouraged everyone to recognize that impactful actions can begin within their own communities, emphasizing that small efforts, when collectively pursued, can lead to substantial change.
The event also saw the Institute honoring journalists Anthonia Obokoh, Ijeoma Ukazu, and Bukola Afeni, who participated in the DEAL Fellowship, as well as Frank Ajufo and Moses Emoriken, who were part of the Young Professional in Public Health Program and were also inducted into these prestigious programs.
